GLOUCESTER Shire Council has conducted a survey of its residents, which shows strong opposition to expanded coal mining and coal seam gas operations in its area.
The survey also showed residents do not approve of the practice of conservation offsets for mining companies.
Most of the respondents believed agriculture and mining could not co-exist, mining should not occur in areas of scenic and environmental value, and that the value of agriculture exceeds that of mining.
The survey revealed a community distrust of mining company economic and environmental assessments.
At a public meeting to discuss results of the survey, residents said they wanted better rehabilitation of mine sites rather than land set aside for conservation outside the local government area.
Resident Steve Robinson said mining did not provide adequate economic returns to the area and coal companies should increase their financial contributions.
Barrington Gloucester and Stroud Preservation Alliance spokesman Graeme Healy said the council needed to support the community, not be a "cheerleader" for Gloucester Coal.
Council planning and environment director Glenn Wilcox said the survey resulted would be used to advocate on behalf of residents in state government strategic planning.
? Newcastle Herald
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